Racine man allegedly holds girl against her will in hotel room

By Journal Times staff

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 6:52 PM CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — A 17-year-old girl allegedly being held in a hotel room against her will was rescued by police Monday after she called 911 from her cell phone.

The girl called 911 at about 11:55 a.m. Monday, according to court documents, and said she was being held in the room by a 30-year-old man who had picked her up in Racine and took her to the Knights Inn, 1149 Oakes Road, instead of her home. She said he would not let her leave the hotel.

Police arrested Victor Manuel Rubio, 30, of 2124 1/2 Mead St., for allegedly bringing the girl to the hotel.

According to court documents:

The girl reportedly told police she was walking home from a friend’s house near Park High School, 1901 12th St. It was raining and the defendant pulled up next to her and asked if she wanted a ride home. The girl recognized him and accepted the ride, but instead of taking her home, he took her to the Knights Inn.

She told police that when she asked where they were going, he told her they were going to have a good time together.

When they arrived at the motel he had rented a room and had a case of beer waiting. She believed he wanted to have sex with her and told him she was only 17.

The girl said she knew the man was married and had children and said she didn’t think it would be appropriate, but she said he told her that it didn’t matter. The girl said she became scared and went into the bathroom, where she called 911 from her cell phone.

She said she tried to leave but he grabbed her arm and would not let her go.

Police tried to talk with the man. He initially gave them a Mexico identification card, but officers later found he had a Wisconsin driver’s license. He claimed he was unable to speak English, but after a translator was brought in, police determined he was able to speak English.

Rubio is charged with false imprisonment, child enticement and obstructing an officer. If convicted, he could face up to $120,000 in fines and more than 30 years imprisonment, which includes time in prison and on probation or extended supervision.

He is being held on a $5,000 cash bond.

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